Also known as Wood Aster · 78 saves
Eurybia
Eurybia, the genus most gardeners know as wood aster. We track 4 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 4 most-saved Eurybia varieties
Species of Eurybia
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Eurybia in Sow
Save the Eurybia you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Eurybia
Whats common across all Eurybia varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 4 most-grown of them.
The Eurybia year
- DivideMarch and April100% of varieties
Divide in spring to control spread or propagate new plants.
- Spring CleanupFebruary75% of varieties
Cut back old flower stalks from the previous year.
- PlantApril, September and October50% of varieties
Plant in spring or fall in average to dry shade.
Do
- Allow it to spread to form a dense groundcover.
- Water during prolonged drought, especially in the first year.
- Cut back flower stalks after they finish if desired.
- Divide in spring if you wish to propagate it or control its spread.
- Plant in dry shade under trees 🌳
Avoid
- Don't plant in a small, formal border where its spreading habit is unwanted.
- Don't plant in constantly waterlogged soil.
- Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of powdery mildew.
- Don't fertilize; it thrives in average to poor soil.
What goes wrong with Eurybia
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Slugs and Snails | Irregular holes chewed in the large basal leaves. | Use organic iron phosphate baits. Beer traps can also be effective. Damage is usually minor. |
| Generally pest-free | No significant insect damage is typical | No treatment needed |
| Aphids | Sticky residue on leaves, distorted growth | Use neem oil spray or insecticidal soap |
| None significant | This plant is remarkably pest-resistant. | No action is typically required. |
| Powdery Mildew | White, powdery coating on leaves, especially in late summer and in crowded conditions. | Ensure good air circulation. It's often cosmetic and doesn't seriously harm the plant. Fungicides are not usually necessary. |
| Powdery mildew | White powder on leaves | Apply organic fungicide and improve air circulation |
Making more Eurybia
Division
- Dig up a section of the spreading colony in early spring.
- Ensure the division has both roots and at least one growth point.
- Replant in a new location at the same depth.
- Water until established.
Seeds
- Collect seed once heads fluff in late autumn.
- Cold-stratify over winter.
- Sow in spring.
Eurybia questions
How many types of Eurybia are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 4 distinct Eurybia varieties. The most popular — ranked by 78 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Eurybia grow in?
Across its varieties, Eurybia covers USDA Zones 4–8. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Eurybia bloom?
Most Eurybia varieties bloom in late summer, late summer to fall. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Eurybia should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.